Ever felt great after a massage, then suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy? It’s a common issue. But don’t worry, it’s not a cause for concern.
In this post, we’ll explore why you might feel sick after a massage. We’ll also look at ways to prevent or ease this side effect.
If you’ve ever felt less than perfect after a massage, keep reading
The Science Behind Massage-Induced Nausea
Let’s start with some background information.
Massage is a therapy that works on the soft tissues of the body. It aims to relax and ease pain. It’s been around for centuries, improving circulation and reducing stress.
But, like any therapy, massage can have side effects. Nausea is a common one, ranging from mild to severe.
What Causes Nausea After A Massage?
So, why does nausea happen? Let’s dive into the science behind it.
Massage changes your body in many ways. Your muscles relax, circulation improves, and endorphins are released. These changes are good, but they can also cause nausea in some.
Massage might stimulate the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brain to the abdomen. Stimulation can lead to nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Massage can also increase CRH, a stress hormone. High CRH levels can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Not everyone gets nauseous after a massage. The severity varies. Some feel a bit queasy, while others experience more severe symptoms.
Tips for Preventing or Alleviating Massage-Induced Nausea
If you often feel sick after a massage, there are ways to prevent or ease it.
Here are a few tips to consider:
Drink plenty of water before and after your massage.
Massage increases circulation and flushes toxins. Dehydration can lead to nausea. Staying hydrated helps prevent it.
Eat a light meal before your massage.
A heavy meal can strain your digestive system. This increases nausea risk. Opt for a light meal to avoid digestive issues.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and after your massage.
These substances irritate the digestive system. They can increase nausea risk.
Talk to your massage therapist about any medical conditions or sensitivities you have.
If you’re prone to nausea, tell your therapist. They can adjust techniques or use different products to help.
Take it easy after your massage.
Feeling relaxed after a massage is normal. But avoid strenuous activities for a few hours. Let your body adjust.
Consider taking an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication before your massage.
If you tend to feel sick after massages, think about taking an anti-nausea medication. Options like meclizine or dimenhydrinate can help prevent nausea and other stomach problems.
Is Massage-Induced Nausea Something to Worry About?
Should you worry about nausea from massages? Usually, no. Massage can make you feel sick due to the vagus nerve and stress hormones. But, these effects are temporary and not a big deal.
But, in rare cases, nausea after a massage might mean something serious. If you have severe or ongoing nausea, or other symptoms like dizziness, see a doctor. They can figure out what’s wrong and treat it.
Related Reading: How To Start Exercising Again If You Have Long COVID
Yes, sometimes feeling a bit queasy after a massage is normal. It’s more common if you’re new to massages. Just drink water, rest after your massage, and talk to your therapist about any health issues. With care, you can enjoy massages without nausea.
Can Using a Massage Gun Cause Nausea Too?
Using a massage gun might make some people feel nauseous. Massage guns use fast vibrations to massage muscles. Like regular massage, they can cause nausea.
There are a few reasons why a massage gun might cause nausea. The fast vibrations can affect the vagus nerve, leading to nausea and other stomach issues. Also, the intense vibrations might cause dizziness or motion sickness in some, leading to nausea.
Not everyone will get nauseous from a massage gun. How bad the side effects are can vary a lot. Some people might not feel any symptoms at all.
How To Reduce Nausea Symptoms
If you get nauseous from a massage gun, there are ways to lessen it. Try these:
- Take breaks and use the massage gun for shorter times.
- Don’t use the massage gun on an empty stomach.
- Drink lots of water before and after using the massage gun to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and after using the massage gun.
- Take an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication before using the massage gun.
Like with regular massage, if you have severe or ongoing nausea from a massage gun, talk to a doctor. They can find out why and help you.
(Scientific citations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404535/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665125/)
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